The Noachides Part 1 In recent weeks, I have seen hateful and hurtful articles posted inline by non-Jewish groups, as well as Jews who have sadly become entrapped in various heresies, claiming that the entire Noachide movement is based on a fraud, and a deliberate distortion of Scripture. Besides the fact that those spreading these lies have, for the most part, their own agenda,this view shows a woeful ignorance of Scripture. I plan to make this a two part exposition. In the first part, I will discuss the ideas of Gentile, Ger Tzedek (full convert), Ger Toshav (Resident Convert) as they are found in Scripture, and the question as to whether the terms Ger Toshav and Noachide are synonymous. In the second part, i will discuss where Scripture reveals the details of the Noachide Covenant, and how the laws are derived. First of all, translating Ger as Stranger is totally false. The Hebrew word for a non-Jewish stranger or foreigner is Nochri. Ger means one who dwells among, or within. The commandment Love the Ger does NOT mean love the stranger, but rather Love the one who dwells with you. (needless to say, we seek peace with all. Love is much beyond that.) People often quote Exodus 12:49 (there shall be one law for the home born, and the Ger who dwells in your midst, as proof that any stranger who chooses to live among the Jews is also accounted an Israelite. But let us consider Deuteronomy 14:21 which tells us that if an animal is rendered non-kosher (this can happen because of certain organic defects, or improper slaughtering), we may not eat it, buy we are to give it to the Ger, or sell it to the Nochri. Hmmm...if the Ger is considered an Israelite, how do we give him non-kosher food? And if anyone dwelling with us becomes automatically a Ger, why is the command given to SELL it to him, yet GIVE it to the Ger? Here, the Oral Torah comes to explain the apparent contradiction. There are two kinds of Ger; one who has converted to Judaism, and is wholly one of us (we see this in the command of the Passover sacrifice, which we are warned to not share with the uncircumcised, but once he is circumcised, and is the Ger who dwells among you he can, and must, participate (Exodus 12:48). The second kind of Ger, whom we are commanded to give of food which we are not permitted to eat, is the Ger Toshav, the Resident Ger.He is the one who has rejected idolatry, and has accepted the basic requirements incumbent upon Mankind (the Seven Noachide laws...more about that in the next installment). He has the right to dwell permanently among us in the Land of Israel (we are forbidden to allow idolaters to do so), and actually must be supported by the Israelites (hence the command to GIVE the non-kosher meat to him. There is controversy in rabbinic literature if being a Noachide and a Ger Toshav are one and the same. Some say yes. Others say that any human being can be a Noachide if he takes it upon himself, but having the status of Ger Toshav involves a formal acceptance of the Noachidde laws before a court. For various technical reasons, there is a question if this is possible today, This is actually a hot topic of discussion in the Israeli rabbinate.The practical differences, however, would be in the right to own land in Eretz Israel, and the right of support from the community.In terms of spiritual status, are equal in the eyes of G-d. We find paradigms of both in Scripture. Ruth, the Moabitess, is in the category of Ger Tzedek. She becomes a Jew, marries not only a Jew, but one of the leaders, and her descendants include King David, the entire Davidic line, including the future Mashiach. On the other hand, Naaman (II Kings 5), rejects idolatry, will worship only G-d, but nevertheless remains a Gentile.The rabbis see him as a paradigm of the Ger Toshav. Judaism sees no obligation of non-Jews to become Jews. But all are required to be Noachides. The terminology Noachide is modern. But the concept is ancient. It is widely attested to in Greco-Roman literature.There was even a special section for Noachides in the ancient Temple. We have many Noachides in this group (may their numbers be increased manifold!). I pray for their well being, material and spiritual, regularly.When people take swipes at Torah Judaism by attacking these people and the wonderful treasure that they have chosen, I feel a dagger aimed at them, as well as at the Torah. Where is the Noachide Covenant in the Torah, and how is t interpreted, that will be my next installment.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 23:18:23 +0000
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